End-of-year tipping for the service people who help us out throughout the year is upon us. The common recommendation is to give a cash tip or small present, depending on the kind of service. We're curious, Lifehacker readers, how do you handle holiday tips or gifts for the service people in your life?

Suggestions for who and how much to tip, as in this chart from financial planning site LearnVest, can make holiday tipping and gift-giving easier.

But how much to give or whether or not to give a gift instead of cash is a very individual choice. If I was one of these service professionals I think I'd prefer cash, but maybe a thoughtful gift would make a better impression (emphasis on the "thoughtful"). What do you think? Do you generally give a tip or a gift? And, if gifts, what kinds? Sound off in the comments.